About a month ago we had an event to attend in Panama City, and on our way there we decided to veer off of Highway 98 and take a drive on 30A. We had such a great time wandering around the pretty little streets and eating sweet treats from an airstream trailer!
When you arrive in Seaside, the homes might look familiar because they were used in the Truman Show, that movie where Jim Carrey thinks he lives in the perfect community with the perfect life. Seaside offers many family friendly activities throughout the summer. There are free sand sculpting lessons, theater performances and music in the ampitheater, and First Friday Artwalks.
There are movies under the stars and a farmer’s market. Throw your bikes in the car or rent them from any number of bike rental places because Seaside is best explored on foot or bike. One of the things I love the most about Seaside was the little row of Airstreams that serve up grilled cheese, snowcones and BBQ.
The drive from Pensacola to Seaside will take you approximately two hours on Highway 98. Along the way, you will pass several state parks, a Fresh Market (my favorite stop along the way!), the Gulfarium, and more.
If you want to make your visit to Seaside more than just a day trip, there are cottages available for rent. If that is not in the budget but you want to make a weekend of it, Grayton Beach State Park has both cabins and full facility campsites. You can also drive another 30 minutes or so to Panama City Beach and spend the night in one of the many hotels there.
Along 30A, you will also find Watercolor, Grayton Beach State Park, Alys Beach and so much more. My pal at Mommy Travels, wrote a little bit about her family friendly favorite spots on 30A over at Traveling Mom. She has also written about biking along 30A and a weekend along 30A.
My husband and I fell in love with Seaside in those few hours and we can’t wait to return! Have you been to Seaside? What is your favorite thing to do on 30A?
Seaside is on my travel wishlist now! It looks charming!
My family and I went to Alys beach last summer & I loved that entire little community. Wishing I was living there instead of where we are now
Make it a weekend trip so you an explore everything with time, unless you make it a day trip & leave really early!
Rebecca-It really is worth the little trip over there. We would love to buy a little beach house out there if we ever won the lotto!
Almis-We didn’t spend much time in Alys Beach but I hope to get back there this summer.
I love Seaside. I miss the beach!